We've recently seen more articles talking about the link between a person's genetics and their oral health, which seem to be creating some confusion. Now, it is true that a person's heritage can have some impact on their oral health. However, the reality is that the impact is far smaller than your own choices in how to protect your mouth and teeth.
And, in particular, genetics seem to have more to do with problems than solutions. That is, if your family has a history of "bad teeth," mis-aligned jawbones, or other major issues, you will have a higher chance of those things happening. But if your family has a history of good teeth, it probably has more to do with their brushing and flossing habits.
So please do not believe that just because your parents or grandparents had good teeth, that means you can neglect your own oral health. That's a path which will lead to disappointment.
Nothing Beats Basic Good Oral Hygiene Habits
There truly is no better way to protect your teeth than to develop good habits for oral health.
1 - Brush after every meal
Brushing regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste is still by far the best way to keep your teeth clean, shiny, and free of cavities. Remember, use a brush with medium bristles and use a circular scrubbing motion, not back-and-forth. This gets the bristles of the brush into the most crevices within your teeth.
2 - Floss regularly
Flossing is almost as important as brushing, because it gets most of the places where brushing misses. A toothbrush can't get between teeth, so flossing is needed to clear out any missed particles of food. Otherwise, you could quickly get plaque buildup, or see cavities begin to form at the sides.
3 - Don't forget mouthwash
Mouthwash is less important than brushing or flossing, but it's still a very good idea. Mouthwash will kill off any harmful germs lurking around your mouth, and reduce your chances of oral infection. Remember, for best effect, it needs to be swished around your mouth for at least thirty seconds.
4 - Visit your dentist at least once a year
Finally, remember that no home cleaning is as thorough as a professional dental cleaning. You should visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once per year. Not only will your teeth be healthier, but your dentist will be able to spot minor issues early on, before they become big problems.
If it's been more than a year, contact Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422 for a checkup!